Gerrit Rietveld

The richly illustrated and accessible monograph on the Dutch designer and world-renowned architect - now in paperback

Gerrit Rietveld's simple yet dynamic style greatly influenced international furniture design and contributed significantly to the history of architecture. Following Rietveld from his humble beginnings as a cabinetmaker to his final years as a world-renowned architect, this book presents both his lesser-known work and his most celebrated. It explores his significance in the wider context of avant-garde movements, and his influence within De Stijl and Functionalism. This highly detailed yet accessible monograph is designed by the acclaimed Dutch designer Wim Crouwel.

Ida van Zijl was curator of design at the Centraal Museum, Utrecht from 1978-2013 and organized a variety of exhibitions, several of which included the work of Rietveld. She had complete access to the museum's collection of Rietveld documents, as well as those held by his family and friends, when creating this account of Rietveld’s life and work.

"Impressive... engaging and highly accessible."—Self Build & Design

"Another beautifully produced monograph from Phaidon... A great introduction to Rietveld's beautiful Modernist aesthetic. [commenting on the fact that the book's designer, Wim Crouwel, is a former pupil at the Rietveld Academy] ...[A] very handsome book. It displays an enviable lightness of touch, and is a good example of what happens when a designer really engages with his subject matter. We reckon Mr Rietveld would have been proud."—Grafik

"Impressive... engaging and highly accessible."—Self Build & Design

"Another beautifully produced monograph from Phaidon... A great introduction to Rietveld's beautiful Modernist aesthetic. [commenting on the fact that the book's designer, Wim Crouwel, is a former pupil at the Rietveld Academy] ...[A] very handsome book. It displays an enviable lightness of touch, and is a good example of what happens when a designer really engages with his subject matter. We reckon Mr Rietveld would have been proud."—Grafik

Phaidon is the premier global publisher of the creative arts with over 1,500 titles in print. We work with the world's most influential artists, chefs, writers and thinkers to produce innovative books on art, photography, design, architecture, fashion, food and travel, and illustrated books for children. Phaidon is headquartered in London and New York City.Read more